Mortarboard blog + Higher education | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard+higher-education
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:30:56 GMT2016-12-09T14:30:56Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
I wish I weren't the only girl in my computer science classhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/feb/10/im-the-only-girl-in-my-computer-science-class
<p>I’m determined to do well in a traditionally male area, and I think more girls should consider doing Stem subjects<br></p><ul><li>Are you a sixth-form student with something to get off your chest? <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/sep/23/blogging-students-how-to-pitch-and-blog">Here’s how to blog for us</a></li></ul><p>I’m 17, and I’m the only girl in my computer science class. I’m pretty much the same as my classmates, only shorter. I expected a large majority of my classmates to be male, but being the only girl is slightly mind-blowing. I also study engineering, and am hugely outnumbered in that too.<br></p><p> People think it’s unusual for me to study a subject that is associated with boys and leads to what is generally considered a man’s job. Stem subjects are still male dominated: nearly <a href="http://www.wes.org.uk/statistics">four out of five</a> of those who took A-level physics in 2012 were male. And <a href="http://www.wes.org.uk/statistics">only about half</a> of female Stem graduates go on to work in Stem roles. <br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/feb/18/female-students-science-engineering-sixth-formers-stem-subjects">Female students start to show more interest in science and engineering</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/nov/06/classroom-coders-students-develop-computer-science">Classroom coders: students dash to develop the computer science bug</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/feb/10/im-the-only-girl-in-my-computer-science-class">Continue reading...</a>StudentsSixth formEducationHigher educationWed, 10 Feb 2016 10:13:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/feb/10/im-the-only-girl-in-my-computer-science-classPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamySofia Gattuso2016-02-10T10:13:13ZMy mum is a student at university toohttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/jan/12/my-mum-is-a-student-at-university-too
<p>Having a mum who goes to university at the same time as me was strange at first, but now I wouldn’t change it for the world</p><p>When I was in sixth form, my mother decided that she wanted to go to university. Of course I was happy for her. But then the doubt set in. Wouldn’t it be weird having a mum who was studying at the same time as me? </p><p>Other young people may have had to listen to family members reminisce about their experience of university, but it’s rare for a parent to choose to go to university alongside you.</p><p>We sit down and study together with tea and biscuits</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/19/dont-be-a-helicopter-parent-when-your-child-takes-off-for-uni">Don't be a helicopter parent when your child takes off for uni</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/jan/12/my-mum-is-a-student-at-university-too">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationApplying to universityFamilyParents and parentingParents of students 16 and overTue, 12 Jan 2016 11:42:37 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/jan/12/my-mum-is-a-student-at-university-tooPhotograph: Venetia LawPhotograph: Venetia LawVenetia Law2016-01-12T11:42:37ZEight things I wish I'd known before starting my A-levelshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/jan/11/eight-things-i-wish-id-known-before-starting-my-a-levels
<p>Studying A-levels can be hard work. With the benefit of hindsight, there are a few things I wish someone had told me<br></p><p>If you asked me on GCSE results day what I thought the world of A-levels would bring, I would have been optimistic. But then, I didn’t know what to expect.</p><p>Like many students across the country, I spent the last few years learning about Pythagoras’s theorem, and that mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. However I learned nothing that would prepare me for the future beyond my GCSE exams. With the benefit of hindsight, there are a few things I wish someone had told me. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/oct/21/is-campus-life-really-right-for-you">Is campus life really right for you?</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/02/heres-what-i-think-you-should-know-before-starting-university">Here's what I think you should know before starting university</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/jan/11/eight-things-i-wish-id-known-before-starting-my-a-levels">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationSixth formAdvice for studentsMon, 11 Jan 2016 10:26:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/jan/11/eight-things-i-wish-id-known-before-starting-my-a-levelsPhotograph: Image Source/Getty Images/Image SourcePhotograph: Image Source/Getty Images/Image SourceAisling Wood2016-01-11T10:26:03ZSeven university costs you probably haven't budgeted forhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/jan/07/seven-university-costs-you-probably-havent-budgeted-for
<p>Even the savviest student will run up unexpected expenses at university. Here are some of the most common, and how you can avoid them<br></p><p> I’ve almost made my peace with the cost of university – £9,000 a year in most cases, for those who have forgotten. But looking back to when I was a sixth-form student, I wish someone had told me about the countless other costs that go with studying at university. Here’s a run-down of some of the unexpected expenses to look out for – and how to avoid them. <br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/17/freshers-keep-your-money-where-it-belongs-in-your-account">Freshers: keep your money where it belongs - in your account</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/06/grants-support-and-spare-time-why-you-should-start-a-business-at-uni">Grants, support and spare time: why you should start a business at uni</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/jan/07/seven-university-costs-you-probably-havent-budgeted-for">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationStudent financeMoneyThu, 07 Jan 2016 11:57:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2016/jan/07/seven-university-costs-you-probably-havent-budgeted-forPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoRachel Fernie2016-01-07T11:57:08ZBlogging Students: how to write a student blog for the Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/sep/23/blogging-students-how-to-pitch-and-blog
<p><strong>Editor’s guidelines</strong> Here are our tips on how to pitch a strong idea and write a successful Guardian blog</p><p>Would you like to write a blog for us? Here’s how it works.</p><p>You need to pitch a new idea – we cannot publish pieces that have appeared elsewhere, even on a blog. If we think your idea is right for <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/series/blogging-students">Blogging Students</a>, we’ll tell you to go ahead and write it. There’s an editing process - which may involve rewrites. And then it gets published, you get a writer’s profile page on the Guardian, we promote it through social media - and you’ve given your online profile a huge boost.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/sep/23/blogging-students-how-to-pitch-and-blog">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationSixth formFurther educationAdvice for studentsThu, 14 May 2015 09:03:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/sep/23/blogging-students-how-to-pitch-and-blogPhotograph: Photograph: AlamyYour writing should be fresh and unpredictable Photograph: Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: Photograph: AlamyYour writing should be fresh and unpredictable Photograph: Photograph: AlamyJudy Friedberg2015-05-14T09:03:00ZBefore I had even left university I was told I may be infertilehttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2015/may/11/before-i-had-even-left-university-i-was-told-i-may-be-infertile
<p>As a student I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome – making me question what the future would be like for me<br></p><p> My mum stuffed a sanitary towel into my hand as I jumped out of the car on the way to school. “Knowing our family, you might not need it for a while, but it’s always good to be prepared,” she said, winking as I closed the door.</p><p> I was 15 when I had my first period, just like my mother, my aunties and my grandma. Although the red arrival was meant to mark a watershed moment of diary-marking and tins stuffed with pads, my 28-day count soon fell by the wayside, as my periods became nothing more than an annual event. I shrugged. Noticing the cramps and moans of my peers, my absent period appeared to be a blessing of genetics. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/sep/23/blogging-students-how-to-pitch-and-blog">Blogging Students: how to pitch an idea and get it accepted</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/apr/14/the-pill-not-enough-to-make-sex-safe">On the pill? That's not enough to make sex safe</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2015/may/11/before-i-had-even-left-university-i-was-told-i-may-be-infertile">Continue reading...</a>StudentsStudent healthEducationHigher educationHealthPregnancyHealth & wellbeingMon, 11 May 2015 09:08:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2015/may/11/before-i-had-even-left-university-i-was-told-i-may-be-infertilePhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyJasmine Andersson2015-05-11T09:08:38ZDo universities prefer students with four A-levels?https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/dec/03/do-universities-prefer-students-with-four-a-levels
<p>I wanted to study four A-levels, but my tutor warned against the increased workload. Is it ever a good idea to take an extra subject?</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/series/blogging-students">Read more from blogging students here</a><br></li></ul><p>When I was 17 years old, I engaged in a battle with the director of my sixth form. Having done well in my AS-levels, I wanted to continue with all four subjects to A2. He refused to allow it. <br></p><p>“You only need three to get into university,” he insisted. “Any more is going to be too much work for you. Your grades will suffer.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/dec/03/do-universities-prefer-students-with-four-a-levels">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationSixth formApplying to universityAdvice for studentsWed, 03 Dec 2014 09:52:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/dec/03/do-universities-prefer-students-with-four-a-levelsPhotograph: AlamyIs studying four A-levels really just too much work?Photograph: AlamyIs studying four A-levels really just too much work?Sadie Hale2014-12-03T09:52:06ZWhat university life is like on a 'forgotten' campushttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/nov/21/what-university-life-is-like-on-a-forgotten-campus
<p>Many universities have secondary campuses miles from their main sites. Are students based on them missing out?<br></p><p>As well as their main sites, many universities also encompass one or more secondary campuses, usually in a much smaller town. Students based at them study and live miles from their main university campus.</p><p>I am one of those students living based on a “forgotten” campus.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/nov/21/what-university-life-is-like-on-a-forgotten-campus">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationFri, 21 Nov 2014 10:12:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/nov/21/what-university-life-is-like-on-a-forgotten-campusPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyMichelle Gleaves2014-11-21T10:12:06ZUniversity timetable sparse? Make the most of your 'me time'https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/nov/04/university-timetable-sparse-make-the-most-of-your-me-time
<p>If your lectures are few and far between, you could work, exercise, or learn more stuff<br></p><p>A lot changes when you get to university. One of the biggest surprises for me was how few hours I was required to spend in lectures and seminars. Many of us go from fully packed days at sixth form or college, to sporadic two-hour lectures at university. <br></p><p>While advice for adapting to the university lifestyle often focuses on social aspects, adapting to the academic structure can take time too. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/nov/04/university-timetable-sparse-make-the-most-of-your-me-time">Continue reading...</a>EducationHigher educationTue, 04 Nov 2014 09:51:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/nov/04/university-timetable-sparse-make-the-most-of-your-me-timePhotograph: AlamyThere's plenty of productive ways to spend the time outside of lectures.Photograph: AlamyThere's plenty of productive ways to spend the time outside of lectures.Kerry Provenzano2014-11-04T09:51:52ZMale students must make a stand against ‘lad culture’ at universityhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/oct/11/men-stand-against-lad-culture-university
<p>With student sexism hitting the headlines again, male students need to take Emma Watson’s advice and speak out <br><br><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/series/blogging-students">Read more from our Blogging Students series here</a></p><p>Misogyny and lad culture at university have been <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/09/lse-rugby-club-racism-misogyny">in the news a lot over recent weeks</a>, after a rugby team at LSE was disbanded for handing out crude and explicit leaflets.</p><p>Emma Watson’s <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/poverty-matters/2014/oct/03/emma-watsons-un-gender-equality-campaign-is-an-invitation-to-men-too">recent “he for she” campaign</a> sparked a positive conversation about men’s role in feminism – and we need to continue to talk about men’s attitudes towards feminism at university.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/oct/11/men-stand-against-lad-culture-university">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationGenderSat, 11 Oct 2014 11:20:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/oct/11/men-stand-against-lad-culture-universityPhotograph: AlamyMale students shouldn’t ignore sexual harassment on campus.Photograph: AlamyMale students shouldn’t ignore sexual harassment on campus.Lewis Merryweather2014-10-11T11:20:04ZYou don't have to be a computer whizz to learn to codehttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/aug/20/learn-to-code-employability
I'm studying an arts degree, but learning to code has increased my job prospects, writes a student blogger<p>If you think that coding isn't for you, it might be time to think again. I'm not the standard coder. I didn't dismantle computers as a child, I'm female, and I'm in the fourth year of a humanities degree (English &amp; Spanish at the University of Exeter).</p><p>The fact that I'm learning to code may not make much sense to you, but I think it's time well spent, particularly when it comes to preparing for the graduation job hunt.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/aug/20/learn-to-code-employability">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationAdvice for studentsComputer science and ITTechnologyCareersGraduate careersWed, 20 Aug 2014 09:44:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/aug/20/learn-to-code-employabilityPhotograph: AlamyCoding isn't just for computer science students – it can be a great way for arts students to become more employable too. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyCoding isn't just for computer science students – it can be a great way for arts students to become more employable too. Photograph: AlamyLucy Fuggle2014-08-20T09:44:00ZSheffield students: we can kick Clegg out of powerhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/28/sheffield-hallam-students-vote-out-nick-clegg
Breaking his tuition fees pledge could cost Nick Clegg his seat – if Sheffield Hallam students rally against him at the polls<p>Young people have consistently topped the apathy charts when it comes to crossing boxes at polling stations. So here's a question: how do you get the group least likely to vote in an election to have the biggest turnout?</p><p>Here's one answer: Nick Clegg.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/28/sheffield-hallam-students-vote-out-nick-clegg">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationNick CleggPoliticsVoter apathyStudent financeSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldStudent politicsGeneral election 2015Tuition feesMon, 28 Jul 2014 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/28/sheffield-hallam-students-vote-out-nick-cleggPhotograph: NUS press officeNick Clegg with the pledge he signed in 2010 promising to vote against an increase in fees. Photograph: NUS press officePhotograph: NUS press officeNick Clegg with the pledge he signed in 2010 promising to vote against an increase in fees. Photograph: NUS press officeAidan Phillips2014-07-28T09:36:00ZI'm the daughter of a diplomat – I'm used to saying goodbyehttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/24/student-daughter-of-diplomat-saying-goodbye-travel
Moving country every two years has made studying tough, but travel has made me who I am, writes a student blogger<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/series/the-global-student">Read more on our global student hub</a><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/sep/23/blogging-students-how-to-pitch-and-blog">How to write for Blogging Students</a><p>At the end of every two years, my parents remind me to pack my belongings and I realise that the time has come again for me to say goodbye to my existing surroundings and start again in my new home.</p><p>From South Korea to Germany, from the United States to Israel, from Venezuela to Uruguay; I've followed my Dad, a diplomat, since the age of three. Travelling is a huge part of my life. I pack and unpack boxes whenever the government tells us to move.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/24/student-daughter-of-diplomat-saying-goodbye-travel">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationInternational studentsThu, 24 Jul 2014 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/24/student-daughter-of-diplomat-saying-goodbye-travelPhotograph: Alamy'I have moved countries every two years' writes a student. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: Alamy'I have moved countries every two years' writes a student. Photograph: AlamyJane Han2014-07-24T13:57:00ZI couldn't stop crying, then counselling changed my lifehttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/22/university-counselling-really-helped-me
Sometimes you need to talk to a stranger about your problems in order to put them to rest<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/04/students-mental-health-where-to-get-help">Where to get help for your mental health</a><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/04/students-share-stories-of-mental-health-universities">You are not alone: students share their stories of mental health</a><p>When I started my second year of university, I knew that something wasn't quite right. It was only as the weeks progressed that I began to become aware of what was going on.</p><p>I felt tired during the day, I didn't enjoy being around people as much as I had done previously and although I had always been emotional and prone to crying, suddenly my tears were uncontrollable. I needed help.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/22/university-counselling-really-helped-me">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationMental healthHealthSocietyTue, 22 Jul 2014 08:43:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/22/university-counselling-really-helped-mePhotograph: AlamyThe number of students seeking a counsellor has risen by a third since 2008. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyThe number of students seeking a counsellor has risen by a third since 2008. Photograph: AlamyEsra Gurkan2014-07-22T08:43:00ZScience students like me have too many contact hourshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/21/science-students-contact-hours
Arts students want more contact hours – but as science students we could do with less, writes a student blogger<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/sep/23/blogging-students-how-to-pitch-and-blog">How to write for Blogging Students</a><p>Arts students often complain they are not getting their money's worth at university because they have too few contact hours. But as a science student who is often stuck in the lab, I am envious of the extra time for independent study.</p><p>According to <a href="https://unistats.direct.gov.uk/" title="">Unistats</a>, English students spend just 12% of their time with a member of staff in their first year, compared with 32% for a physics student in the same year.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/21/science-students-contact-hours">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationScienceMon, 21 Jul 2014 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/21/science-students-contact-hoursPhotograph: AlamyScience students: do you think you spend too much time in the lab? Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyScience students: do you think you spend too much time in the lab? Photograph: AlamyDeclan Rooney2014-07-21T14:17:00ZAs an international student I'm a reluctant ambassador for my countryhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/21/international-student-reluctant-ambassador
International students get quizzed on the policies of their home countries – but it's sometimes hard to give answers<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/series/the-global-student">Read more for international students on our hub</a><p>As an international student from India, I have become an involuntary representative of my nation at university. In social situations, I am persistently expected to defend my country's actions, rationalise its every move and vindicate every statement of its politicians.</p><p>Being expected to defend your homeland and understand the political situation there is part of being an international student.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/21/international-student-reluctant-ambassador">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationInternational studentsMon, 21 Jul 2014 09:14:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/21/international-student-reluctant-ambassadorPhotograph: Mahesh Kumar A/APAn Indian student shouts slogans during a protest rally in Hyderabad, India. How can international students in the UK answer tricky questions about their country? Photograph: Mahesh Kumar A/APPhotograph: Mahesh Kumar A/APAn Indian student shouts slogans during a protest rally in Hyderabad, India. How can international students in the UK answer tricky questions about their country? Photograph: Mahesh Kumar A/APShweta Kothari2014-07-21T09:14:00ZThe Secret Life of Students isn't an accurate portrayal of student lifehttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jul/18/tv-shows-secret-life-students-use-same-stereotypes
TV shows portray students as drunken, rowdy and irresponsible – but overlook the good work they do<p>Every fly-on-the-wall documentary or dramatic representation of British students casts the same collection of characters; "the lad", "the slut", "the introvert" and "the geek".</p><p>Shows like ITV2's Freshers, Fresh Meat, Skins and Channel 4's latest documentary <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/jul/04/the-secret-life-of-students-tv-review">The Secret Life of Students</a> continually over represent the same image of students; as drunken, rowdy and irresponsible in their sex lives. But the students who don't fulfill this stereotype are rarely seen on our screens, along with their achievements and contributions to society.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jul/18/tv-shows-secret-life-students-use-same-stereotypes">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationTelevisionCultureTelevision & radioFri, 18 Jul 2014 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jul/18/tv-shows-secret-life-students-use-same-stereotypesPhotograph: Ryan Mcnamara/Channel 4The Secret Life of Students. Photograph: Ryan Mcnamara/Channel 4Photograph: Ryan Mcnamara/Channel 4The Secret Life of Students. Photograph: Ryan Mcnamara/Channel 4Lizzie Roberts2014-07-18T09:33:00Z10 habits I've picked up while studying in Americahttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/17/10-american-habits-studying-abroad-students
Studying abroad has rubbed off on me, writes a student blogger who has picked up new habits<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/21/international-student-reluctant-ambassador">As an international student I'm a reluctant ambassador for my country</a><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/series/the-global-student">Read more on our global student hub</a><p>Deciding to study abroad in the States turned out to be the best decision of my life. As an English and history student, I wanted to find a way to boost my CV that was a bit different to the usual internships or work placements.</p><p>So for the past year I've abandoned my familiar student lifestyle in Leeds for an exchange year at the University of South Carolina. I have swapped nightclubs for frat parties, my small student house for American dorms and fish and chips for southern fried chicken.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/17/10-american-habits-studying-abroad-students">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationStudying abroadThu, 17 Jul 2014 09:19:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/17/10-american-habits-studying-abroad-studentsPhotograph: Evelyn RobinsonEvelyn Robinson picked up many new habits from studying abroad – and not just a love of pretzels. Photograph: Evelyn RobinsonPhotograph: Evelyn RobinsonEvelyn Robinson picked up many new habits from studying abroad – and not just a love of pretzels. Photograph: Evelyn RobinsonEvelyn Robinson2014-07-17T09:19:00ZSexism should have no place in university sports teamshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/14/sexism-should-have-no-place-university-sports-teams
From 'no-muffing' events to sexist chants: sports societies can be hives of sexist activity and it's time things changed<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/series/blogging-students">Read more from blogging students here</a><p>In my college bar at Cambridge University, I tried to say hi to a friend. He didn't speak to me. I could see his mouth attempt to move, and I could also see his friend's penetrative stare stop him in his tracks.</p><p>We stood in awkward silence until my friend pulled me away, whispering in my ear that this was part of a rugby social game. The game is called "no muffing". Its rules are as follows: no speaking to a female unless she is your waitress. If you break this, you get punched in the face.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/14/sexism-should-have-no-place-university-sports-teams">Continue reading...</a>StudentsHigher educationEducationRape and sexual assaultGenderFeminismWomenSportMon, 14 Jul 2014 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/14/sexism-should-have-no-place-university-sports-teamsPhotograph: AlamyWe have been bombarded with images of the ugly side of sports teams. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyWe have been bombarded with images of the ugly side of sports teams. Photograph: AlamyJinan Younis2014-07-14T10:14:00ZWhy I regret starting university in a relationshiphttps://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/11/why-regret-starting-university-relationship
Far from being a fresher's fling, my relationship took over my life, to the detriment of my social life and grades<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/sep/23/blogging-students-how-to-pitch-and-blog">How to write for Blogging Students</a><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/nov/18/is-romance-on-campus-dead-tinder">Hook-up apps like Tinder have killed romance on campus</a><p>I regret being in love during my first year of university. My two year relationship ended soon after my first term, but Cupid's arrow had already left its mark on my university experience.</p><p>Despite moments of happiness, being in a romantic relationship during my first term had far-reaching consequences that affected both my social and academic life. I started to dedicate less time to my studies and more time to my girlfriend, while my goal of forming a tight-knit university friendship group dropped down my list of priorities.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/11/why-regret-starting-university-relationship">Continue reading...</a>StudentsRelationshipsEducationHigher educationFri, 11 Jul 2014 09:12:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/11/why-regret-starting-university-relationshipPhotograph: AlamyIs it sensible to start university in a serious relationship? Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyIs it sensible to start university in a serious relationship? Photograph: AlamySami Quadri2014-07-11T09:12:00Z